Community to celebrate successes

The Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties has long had a tradition of holding its annual meeting in May of each year, at which time new board members are welcomed and various awards are given.

This year, the Federation instead will present a celebration, called “Reframing our Vision for Jewish Community.” The free program, open to everyone, will be held Tuesday evening, May 16 in the Margarete Heye Great Room at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

“Our success as a Federation is really reflected in the success of our entire Jewish community,” said Emilie Socash, Federation executive director, “which is why the Federation has reimagined this event.”

The event will begin with cocktail receptions at 6:30 p.m. for the Maimonides Society, a group for health professionals, the Young Adult Division, geared to those 21-45, and the general community.

The program, which begins at 7:30 p.m, will highlight work done throughout the year, across all organizations that are involved in shaping the Jewish community. The common thread is that each project has served to “reframe” what the Pinellas and Pasco Jewish community is and can be, Socash said.

Speakers will talk about successes like the first annual Tampa Bay Jewish Food Festival, the Hanukkah celebration featuring the Maccabeats, sold-out “To Life” gala, and the humanitarian mission to Cuba. These success stories will inspire attendees with the collaboration and innovation of the synagogues, agencies, and Federation.

Additional recognition will be given to award recipients from all organizations as well as the Federation’s Summer Scholars and Federation Fellows participants.